Bears Defeat Vikings in Primetime

Things look to be headed in the right direction for the Chicago Bears after a dominating 39-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. The Bears (3-2) seemed to be clicking on every phase of their game, which helped them come up with this much-needed divisional win.

Quarterback Jay Cutler continued to put up solid numbers in the passing game by connecting on 21 of his 31 pass attempts for 267 yards, two touchdowns, and for the second consecutive week throwing no interceptions.

Cutler’s success on Sunday night was much credited to the protection that he received from the offensive line. Head coach Lovie Smith, along with offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice, implemented more blockers to help the o-line, which only gave up one sack the entire game.

In addition to the consistent play at quarterback, running back Matt Forte continued to prove to Bears management that he his worthy of a contract extension. The fourth-year year pro out of Tulane added 123 total yards his league leading 908 total yards from scrimmage.

The MVP of the game clearly was Devin Hester, who electrified the crowd with a 48-yard touchdown catch on the Bears’ third play from scrimmage, and capped off his stellar performance with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Hester finished the game with five receptions for 91 yards, and left the game with a minor chest injury.

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There were many questions on defense leading up to the start of the game. Many wondered if the Bears could stop the league’s best running back in Adrian Peterson after giving up so many big plays this season. No one knew if Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers would play due to a knee injury. Also, there was speculation of how safeties Major Wright and rookie Chris Conte would perform.

Well, Chicago responded to those questions in a resounding tone. Brian Urlacher and company held the league’s best back to just 39 yards on the ground. Peppers not only played, but also started the game and finished with two of the Bears’ five sacks. Israel Idonije, Amobi Okoye, and rookie Stephen Paea registered the other sacks. Paea’s sack resulted in a safety. Wright and Conte combined for 10 tackles in their debut as Chicago’s safety duo, replacing Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather.

Getting back to an even record was a big step for the Chicago Bears headed into their last game before their bye week. The Bears will go on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though this won’t be an ordinary road trip. Both teams will be clashing in London in the NFL’s annual International Series across the pond.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent